Motor skills are tasks that require voluntary control over movements of the joints and body segments

to achieve a
goal ex. riding a bicycle, walking, surfing, jumping, running, and weightlifting. The learning and performance of these
skills are what movement scientists refer to as motor learning and control, or skill acquisition. The study of motor
learning and control plays an integral role in both the performance and rehabilitation of these skills.
According to Roller et al (2012) the production and control of human movement it is a process that varies from a
simple reflex loop to a complex network of neural patterns that communicate throughout the Central Nervous
System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

Motor Control
Motor Control is defined as the process of initiating, directing, and grading purposeful voluntary movement.
Shumway-Cook has defined motor control as the ability to regulate mechanisms essential to movement.

How does it work?

The Motor Control functions in the following way:
1.The task that needs to be completed is identified→ body gathers sensory information from the environment→
perceives the information→ chooses a movement plan appropriate plan to meet the goal of the task,

3. Plan is coordinated within the CNS → executed through motor neurons in the brain stem and spinal cord →
outcome communicated to the muscles in postural and limb synergies, and in the head and neck→ motor units
timed to fire in a specific manner.

4.Sensory feedback supplied to the CNS by the movement → decision taken to (1) modify the plan during execution,
(2) acknowledge the goal of the task to be achieved, and (3) store the information for future performance of the
same task-goal combination[2].

Motor Control Theories include the production of reflexive, automatic, adaptive, and voluntary movements and the
performance of efficient, coordinated, goal-directed movement patterns which involve multiple body systems (input,
output, and central processing) and multiple levels within the nervous system. Many textbooks and researchers
recommend adoption of a systems model of Motor Control incorporating neurophysiology, biomechanics and motor
learning principles (learning solutions based on the interaction between the patient, the task and the environment).
It is imperative to be aware of the effect this relationship between the task and environment when planning our
interventions so as to enable our patients to achieve their goals.
System control is a crucial aspect of motor control, as it involves managing and coordinating the overall operation of
a motor system. It encompasses various functions such as power management, speed regulation, torque control,
and positioning.

Power management involves controlling the amount of power supplied to the motor to prevent overloading or
underloading. This is achieved through the use of power electronics such as inverters, which convert DC power from
the battery or grid into AC power suitable for driving the motor.

Speed regulation is essential for ensuring that the motor operates at the desired speed. This is achieved through
closed-loop feedback control, where a sensor measures the motor's speed and sends this information to a controller,
which adjusts the input voltage or frequency to maintain the desired speed.

Torque control is necessary for maintaining the motor's force output at a specific level. This is achieved through
closed-loop feedback control, where a sensor measures the motor's torque and sends this information to a
controller, which adjusts the input voltage or frequency to maintain the desired torque.

Positioning involves controlling the motor's angular displacement or position. This is achieved through closed-loop
feedback control, where a sensor measures the motor's position and sends this information to a controller, which
adjusts the input voltage or frequency to move the motor to the desired position.

In summary, system control in motor control involves managing and coordinating various functions such as power
management, speed regulation, torque control, and positioning to ensure that the motor system operates efficiently
and reliably.
System control is essential in various physical activities that involve the use of motor systems. Here are some
examples:

1. Running: System control is crucial in running as it helps to maintain a consistent speed, prevent injury, and
conserve energy. The runner's body uses feedback control to adjust their stride length and frequency based on the
terrain and the desired speed. Power management is also important as the runner's body regulates the amount of
energy expended to maintain a steady pace.

2. Cycling: System control is essential in cycling as it helps to maintain a consistent speed, conserve energy, and
prevent injury. The cyclist's body uses feedback control to adjust their pedal cadence and gear selection based on
the terrain and the desired speed. Power management is also important as the cyclist's body regulates the amount
of energy expended to maintain a steady pace.

3. Swimming: System control is crucial in swimming as it helps to maintain a consistent speed, conserve energy, and
prevent injury. The swimmer's body uses feedback control to adjust their stroke rate and technique based on the
desired speed and water resistance. Power management is also important as the swimmer's body regulates the
amount of energy expended to maintain a steady pace.

4. Weightlifting: System control is essential in weightlifting as it helps to lift heavy weights safely and efficiently. The
lifter's body uses feedback control to adjust their lifting technique based on the weight of the object being lifted.
Power management is also important as the lifter's body regulates the amount of energy expended to lift the weight
safely and efficiently.

5. Dancing: System control is crucial in dancing as it helps to maintain rhythm, coordination, and balance. The
dancer's body uses feedback control to adjust their movements based on the music and other dancers around them.
Power management is also important as the dancer's body regulates the amount of energy expended to maintain
rhythm, coordination, and balance while dancing for an extended period.